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The NY Times ran a piece this week by Theresa Brown, R.N., about the nervous process of learning dangerous procedures on the jobs, while practicing on patients. Her article is about the simple operation of taking blood, but other procedures learned on the job are far less innocuous.
In July, a study out of the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine published in the Annals of Internal Medicine claimed that the "July Effect" was real. This refers to an increase in medical error and adverse effects as hospitals accept less-experienced physicians fresh out of med school.
Problems associated with inexperienced physicians in July are the very problems that nurses feel when they are tasked with a new skill. Ms. Brown wrote of spending eight hours learning the ins and outs of drawing blood with an experienced physician overseeing the process. She was understandably nervous and deliberate. Sometimes patients noticed, though others did it. Some were perturbed, while others were sympathetic.
The book, “Complications: A Surgeon’s Notes on an Imperfect Science,” by Dr. Atul Gawande, explains the necessary evil of practicing new techniques on patients. He described having to practice inserting catheters into necks and chests for the first time. Nurse Brown explained having to insert urinary catheters, administer blood transfusions, and change drainage tubes.
As a practicing medical malpractice and wrongful death attorney in New York, I deal with the consequences of dangerous patient situations like this every day. If you have experienced related problems, pick up the phone and call me. I can help.
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If you would like more information about how medical malpractice cases work in the state of New York, I encourage you to explore my educational website. If you have legal questions, I urge you to pick up the phone and call me at 516-487-8207 or by e-mail at lawmed10@yahoo.com to answer your questions. That's what I do every day. I welcome your call.
Read More About Practicing New Techniques on Patients; NY Times...
